NIAGARA FALLS, ONT. — Tim Carroll, director of milling for Pendleton Flour Mills, Blackfoot, Idaho, was named Milling Operative of the Year during the 117th annual conference and expo of the International Association of Operative Millers held in Niagara Falls. Mr. Carroll is responsible for Pendleton’s facilities in Blackfoot, Pendleton, Ore., and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Milling & Baking News presents the award, which is given to a practicing milling operative who has made the most significant contributions to the progress of the milling operative’s plant. A $1,500 scholarship is established in the winner’s name at Kansas State University in Manhattan and given to a student in the Department of Grain Science and Industry.

Mr. Carroll began his career in milling nearly 20 years ago after graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in milling science and management. His career started at ADM, one of the largest food processing companies in the world, and continued there for 8 years until he joined Pendleton, where he was brought in to improve an under-performing site in Blackfoot.

At Blackfoot, Mr. Carroll “hit the ground running” and developed a strategic plan that included capital improvements and programs to motivate the work force in an effort to turn the plant around, said Alan Koenig, the company’s chief operating officer, in a nomination letter.

“Due to his foresight and dedicated leadership, the mill’s production and yields have greatly improved and is now one of the highest performing mills in the industry,” Mr. Koenig said.

In addition to his exceptional milling knowledge, Mr. Carroll also was recognized by several of his co-workers for being an outstanding leader and champion for employee safety.

“I think one of the reasons Tim has been so successful is because he is a great listener,” said Chris Casias, mill superintendent. “Tim knows that every employee is valuable and never misses an opportunity to listen to his employees’ ideas or opinions. He understands the culture our shareholders want in the facilities and goes out of his way to set the example.”

Reuben McLean, manager of quality and audit compliance at Pendleton, added, “Tim has been a huge advocate of operating an ‘audit ready’ facility. We have been able to accomplish this through a strong training program and employee investment. He has a unique ability to inspire high expectations and continuous improvement from those around him.”

Mr. Carroll also has been a strong supporter of the many associations involved in promoting the milling industry, including serving in various board roles for the I.A.O.M.